Mzungu Rides!

London to Cape Town on a 350cc trail-bike.

Part of the “Short Films” screening.

FIVE MINUTES WITH JAMES HARRISON-ALLEN

ATFF:

Hello, not long now till this summer’s Adventure Travel Film Festival. We are so excited to be sharing so many fantastic films this year. Lets start with a quick summary of yours, what’s it about?

 James:

I had moved to London and after five years I felt I needed an escape. Initially I looked at hitchhiking, trains and cycling before I eventually stumbled across the idea of a motorcycle trip. Africa has always been a continent that I’ve had a deep love for, so that seemed to fit in with a bike trip. The only problem was at that stage I’d never sat on a bike!

ATFF:

How did the film come about? Was it something that you’ve always been interested in?

James:

I’ve always had an interest in film but as a consumer rather than as a creator. The main motivation was to show people back home that a trip like mine was not only possible, but quite literally the adventure of a lifetime.

ATFF:

This years films have spanned oceans mountains, glaciers… a huge range of environments. What challenges did you face in making yours?

James:

My biggest struggle was taking enough footage. Having never made a film before I didn’t know anything about the craft, and this lack of confidence made it all too easy to put filming off because I was ‘too tired’ or wanted to enjoy the moment without filming it.

ATFF:

Is there anything that you would like audiences to take away from your film?

James:

That you don’t need any skills or experience to go on a motorcycle trip. A cheap bike and cheap equipment doesn’t stop you from crossing a continent.

ATFF:

We have lots of people come to the festival who aspire to future film makers. Do you have any advice?

James:

Focus on the skills rather than the equipment. Understand building a sequence, lighting etc rather than rushing off to buy drones and pricey cameras. Mobile phone cameras are surprisingly capable.

 ATFF:

Are you coming to this years festival? How can audiences find out more and connect with you?

James:

I’ll be there all festival, its one of my favourite weekends of the year!

If you don’t catch me at the festival then I’m on both Instagram and facebook as Mzungu Rides! Not much content recently but should be some exciting developments when I fly to West Africa at the end of the year.

ATFF:

Thanks, we can’t wait to share the films this year!

More films: